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The scenic landscape and rich cultural heritage attract throngs of tourists to the Republic of Ireland each year. The Republic of Ireland occupies the majority of the island of Ireland, with the exception of the six counties in the far northeast of the country that are part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Largely spared from the sectarian violence that haunted neighboring Northern Ireland in the late 20th century, the Republic remains a fundamentally secure destination.

Facts

As of February 2011, incidents of terrorism in Ireland have been extremely rare. In 2010 and 2011, some Americans reported being verbally harassed due to the U.S. war on terror. The rate of violent crime in Ireland is quite low overall. The rural west sees the fewest crimes, whereas inner city Dublin experiences higher incidents of criminal mischief. Of the assaults that do occur in Ireland, many can be linked to excessive alcohol consumption, often taking place in the wee hours of the morning when the pubs close.

Before You Leave

Make two copies of your passport's identification pages, located on the inside of its front cover. Leave one copy home with a trusted friend or family member and pack the other copy. This way, if your passport is lost or stolen, it can be replaced more expediently. If you plan to drive, do the same thing with your driver's license. Register your trip online with the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP. This program will inform you of any travel advisories and provide you assistance from the U.S. Embassy in the event of an emergency.

Cell Phone

Carrying a cell phone can help you stay safe no matter where you are. Many American cell phones don't work in Europe; if this is the case with yours, contact your cell phone provider to ask about renting a phone for your trip. Or purchase a pre-paid phone upon arrival in Ireland. Program important numbers into your phone, including your doctor, health insurance company, credit card company and bank. The number for the U.S. Embassy in Dublin is 353-1-668-8777.

Finances

Petty theft, such as purse-snatching and pick pocketing, is more likely to occur near tourist attractions and in cities. Consider keeping your cash and credit cards in a money belt, or distribute them in different spots on your person. Check ATM for signs of tampering before using them -- thieves in Ireland have been known to attach electronic devices to ATMs, known as skimmers, which copy your credit card data. (See Reference 5)

Driving

Americans may use their U.S. driver's license to drive in Ireland. It is imperative that you remember to drive on the left side of the road; tourists driving on the right side of the road cause many serious accidents every year. Speed limits in Ireland are expressed in kilometers per hour. Roads in rural areas can be narrow and winding, rendering it necessary to drive well under the speed limit.

Help

The Irish police force is known as the Garda, and 999 and 112 are the Irish equivalents of 911. The Irish Tourist Assistance Service offers free support for tourists against whom crimes have been committed. If you have been victimized, go to the nearest Garda station, where the police will handle your case and contact ITAS for you.

General

Pack all essential items in your carry-on, in case the airline loses or delays your checked luggage. Always lock your rental car, even in rural areas. Leave valuables locked in your room, including your passport and large amounts of cash.

Resources

About the Author

Based in western New York, Amy Harris began writing for Demand Media and Great Lakes Brewing News in 2010. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Penn State University; she taught high school math for several years and has also worked in the field of instructional design.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.